Our memory is a complex process that involves recalling facts and events from many years ago as well as remembering recent details like where we left our car keys and the name of a person we just met. Many people experience a normal degree of memory loss as they age, which can be unsettling and frustrating in some situations. While you may not be able to prevent memory loss completely, there are tricks that help improve short term memory. Check out some of these tips for remembering those important little details as you go through your day.

What is a Mnemonic Device? A mnemonic device is a trick that will help you improve short term memory. It can be visual or auditory in nature. There are many different types of mnemonic devices to choose from, so you can find the techniques that work the best for you. Visual mnemonics might include visualizing a picture to associate with a word or name, like a picture of a microphone when meeting someone named Mike. Another technique that many find helpful is to use a rhyme or acronyms, like the poem, “Thirty days hath September…” or an acronym to remember notes on a keyboard or the order of the planets.

Other Methods There are other methods that can teach you how to improve short term memory as well. For example, focusing attention on the information being dispensed, such as dates for events or the names of people, will help you improve short term memory. If you can, involve more than one of your senses when taking in information. For example, if you meet someone new, pay attention to their face and listen to the name carefully. Repeat the name once or twice at the beginning of the conversation to embed the information into your memory bank. If your learning style is primarily visual, keep pictures in your head of information or write it down. If you are an auditory learner, repeat information aloud, or record it to listen to at a later time.

Healthy Habits There are other ways to improve short term memory that are good for the rest of your body. Getting sufficient sleep and exercising regularly will keep your mind as well as your body in top form. Positive stress management can also help improve short term memory by allowing you better information retention. It is also important to eat a healthy diet and quit smoking if you have picked up the habit. Smoking limits oxygen to the brain, which can in turn affect cognitive function.

There are many effective ways to improve short term memory. If you are concerned that your memory is not what it used to be, try some of these tricks for keeping information intact. You may find that your cognitive abilities are better than you thought.